Italian Cheese Bread is the perfect easy appetizer! This easy cheesy bread appetizer is perfect for any size gathering.
Recipe Inspiration
Cheese, garlic, herbs, bread - what else could you possibly want in a delicious appetizer?
This appetizer is so incredibly easy. You'll start by cutting a crusty loaf of bread in 1 inch squares. I recommend using a sourdough or Italian loaf, but any type of bread will do.
You want to cut ¾ of the way down the bread, not all the way through it. Then, you'll stuff with herbed garlic buttery sauce and cheese.
This is a great appetizer for any size gathering, it'll always be a hit!
If you're looking for more appetizer recipes, check out our Marinated Mozzarella Balls, Tomato Crostini, and Simple Charcuterie Board recipes!
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Delicious - This delicious side dish is SO good. With the crispy edges of the bread to the soft, cheesy, middle, each bite is delicious.
- Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a small bowl and a cookie sheet to make this recipe!
- Easy - This dish is just a few steps and is so easy to make. It's sure to become a family favorite in your house!
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Fresh Bread - I love using crusty sourdough bread, French bread, or fresh Italian bread
- Melted Butter - Unsalted
- Garlic cloves - Minced. You could also use garlic powder
- Fresh Parsley
- Fresh Thyme
- Fresh Rosemary
- Shredded Mozzarella
Directions
Let's make this cheesy garlic bread recipe together!
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut bread in 1 in diagonal rows, then repeat on the other side of the bread. Do not cut all the way through the bread - you want to cut about ¾ through the top.
Step 2
Combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and thyme in a large bowl. Stir well. Place bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle garlic herb butter over the bread, making sure to get the butter mixture into the cuts of the bread.
Step 3
Stuff the bread with mozzarella cheese.
Step 4
Cover bread in foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, open the foil and let the cook another 5 minutes, until golden brown and the bread has a crispy crust. Let bread slightly cook and serve.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this cheesy bread recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Sheet Pan - Use a good quality sheet pan so everything cooks easily!
- Mixing Bowl - I love these mixing bowls and use them daily in my kitchen. They are great for tossing salads, mixing ingredients, and even serving!
- Serving Platter - Serve this cheesy bread on a large serving tray like this one for a great presentation!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy Italian Cheese Bread recipe.
- Seasoning - You can use dried herbs or Italian seasoning in this garlic cheese bread recipe
- Cheese Substitution - You can substitute the mozzarella cheese with Colby jack cheese or Romano cheeses. You could even top with pecorino Romano, parmesan cheese, or your favorite cheese! Any cheese that melts easily with give the gooey melted cheese result that you're looking for.
- Dip - Dip the finished delicious bread into marinara sauce, meat sauce, or olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Italian cheese bread is made of bread, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs.
Cut ¾ of the way down the bread, not all the way through it. Stuff with melted butter, mozzarella cheese, herbs, and garlic. Bake until the cheese is melted and enjoy!
What to Serve With
Here are some main course ideas on what to serve this recipe with!
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezing Instructions: We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in the oven until warmed.
Italian Cheese Bread
Ingredients
- 1 loaf crusty bread about 1.5 lbs
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Cut bread in 1 in diagonal rows, then repeat on the other side of the bread. Do not cut all the way through the bread - you want to cut about ¾ through the top.
- Combine melted butter, garlic, parsley, rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl. Stir well. Place bread on a lined baking tray. Drizzle garlic herb butter over the bread, making sure to get the butter mixture into the cuts of the bread.
- Stuff the bread with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover bread in foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, open the foil and let the cook another 5 minutes. Let bread slightly cook and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Ksenia Prints says
Love the cheesiness of this bread! Looks mouthwatering.
Tasting With Tina says
It's SO good!
Jill says
I love garlic bread and this looks delectable!!
Tasting With Tina says
Then this is the perfect recipe for you! You will LOVE this!
Audrey says
This really is the perfect holiday appetizer!
Tasting With Tina says
I totally agree!
Karen Affholter says
This was such a fantastic addition to our dinner last night. Will definitely be making again!
Tasting With Tina says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Oh my! I need this in my life. Must print your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Tasting With Tina says
I hope you love it!